IRCC Introduces New Approach for Processing Time Calculation

In a recent announcement, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed a new method for estimating processing times for selected program applications. Moving forward, the department will provide projected processing durations online, employing forward-looking processing times. This initiative aims to empower applicants with the ability to anticipate the timeline for their application processing.

Key Immigration Programs Affected by the New Method

The updated processing estimates will cover several prominent immigration programs, including the following:

• Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)
• Provincial Nominees Program (Express Entry and non-Express Entry)
• Federal Skilled Workers (Express Entry)
• Quebec Skilled Workers
• citizenship grants
• citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)
• spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada
• spouse, common-law or conjugal partner living outside Canada
• parents or grandparents

Addressing Auditor General's Recommendations: An IRCC Initiative

This strategic shift in processing time calculation comes in response to recommendations outlined in a report by the Office of the Auditor General last October. The report emphasized the need for transparent communication regarding processing times, particularly for permanent residency applications, considering the volume and age of applications in the system.

IRCC views this adjustment as a proactive step toward addressing the recommendations laid out in the report. Moreover, updated service standards are anticipated to be implemented by the year's end. These service standards define the reasonable duration within which IRCC aims to finalize applications, varying according to the application type. For instance, spousal sponsorship applications typically have a service standard of 12 months, while Express Entry permanent residence applications are expected to be processed within six months.

Understanding Forward-Looking Processing Times: A Breakdown

So how do forward-looking processing times function? IRCC explains that this method relies on factors such as the total application volume, anticipated processing capacity, and fluctuations in application types throughout the year. While historically, processing times were estimated based on past application durations, this new approach factors in both past performance and projected processing rates.

Important Guidance for Applicants: Avoiding Reapplication Confusion

Importantly, IRCC advises against reapplying for those who have already submitted applications under the new processing time method. The department reassures applicants that applications will continue to be processed in the order received, with most applicants likely to receive decisions within the newly projected processing times.

Current Inventory Status: IRCC's Efforts to Manage Backlogs

To manage the current backlog, IRCC regularly updates the status of applications in inventory, distinguishing between those processed within service standards and those constituting the backlog. As of the latest data, over two million applications are in inventory, with efforts underway to process 80% of applications within service standards across all programs.

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- Rajneesh Kumar